One of the arguments that suggests the Djibouti peace initiative may succeed is that it
is backed by international community. With what? Obviously not force, but rather economy.
Here is an idea on how putting some economic pressure or perhaps coercion may work in some
reluctant parties such as Puntland. How is that? Well, the mini-state of Puntland is full
of educated Somalis who have fled the South. Who have energy and experience to turn a
desolate area into something. There is a large cohort of Puntlanders outside of Somalia
who are dying to reconnect with the old country. They may not have much money now, but if
history has its ways, they will soon. I believe the puntlanders, including their
leadership, would response to economic promise for their support of the Djibouti peace
initiative. Am I talking about aid/gifts… certainly not. That would certainly kill
what ever little creativity left with the people of Puntland. So, keep the unconditional
aid out. But what then? How about trans-puntland/trans-Ogaden rail system. A railway in
Somalia? Am I dreaming? kind of, but hear me out. Bossasso has proven great port (granted
it needs some work), Ethiopia has proven in need of more ports or access to the ocean. The
people of the Ogaden have been long ignored by all things including development for so
long. The region of SOOL is torn between Puntland and Somaliland, mainly because its
people can not decide which port is cheaper for their goats and camel on their way to the
Arabian restaurants. Furthermore, Gadaffi has been itching to find a way to support unity
in African world, and lastly, the Ethiopian business men/women are about to move to the
second level of civilization… the need for coastal properties and vacation rentals.
Well, here is the solution for all of those needs. A railway system from Bossasso to Dirir
Dawe. It goes through Laascanood and the heart of Haud, through parts of Ogadenia and
finally into the heart of the Ethiopian community. How will this help? Well, Bossasso will
no longer be an out-post of hope and mechantilism. Laascanood will cease to be a place
where only presidents die. It will acquire a new identity and respect. The people of Sool
will have easier decision to make regarding whose land they should call theirs. Small
towns will come out of the great Ogaden desert that will serve as the oasis for future
development in the resources of this great region. The Ethiopians will be in position to
bargain for cheaper port (Berbera vs Bossasso vs Djibouti vs Kismayo vs Eriteria).
Furthermore, the emerging middle class in Ethiopia will fine wonderful sea-side rentals on
the coast of Puntland. Ethiopia and Somalia would have something in common (a mutual
investment to safeguard) thus, bringing two of the oldest enemies in African closer
together. Sounds all good and dreamy does not it? but how? Where is the money coming from?
Not easy one to answer, but here is a thought. An investment. By who? By the people of
Puntland and the business people of Ethiopia. How does the world community come into this.
Well, the railway venture will be mainly the investment of the people of Puntland, the
government of Puntland will make the investment safe and subsidize the cost of building
through…perhaps tax shelters and investment promotions. The international community
will subside the investment through cheap loans and insurance to the investors. It is a
win-win situation for all involved not to mention those who will be employed by this
project. The government of Puntland should consider this idea in its long-term strategy
for nation building. The Djibouti peace packers should consider this idea in its bit to
attract level-headed people in Puntland. The Puntlanders in the Diaspora should consider
this as an alternative to the IRA or 401ks. This is just an idea. Aidid.